Sauber sign Mexico's Sergio Pérez for 2011 Formula One season

Kamui Kobayashi will be joined by GP2 Series runner-up Sergio Pérez at Sauber next season. Photograph: Marcelo Del Pozo/Reuters

Sauber have confirmed that GP2 Series runner-up Sergio Pérez will partner Kamui Kobayashi in the Swiss-based team for the 2011 Formula One championship.

The 20-year-old has so far won four races in the feeder series in 2010 and will become the first Mexican to compete in Formula One since former Brabham driver Héctor Rebaque, who raced from 1977 to 1981.

"Formula One is the dream of every young racing driver and now this dream is about to come true for me" said Pérez. "Although I'm very much aware that this is also a big challenge and responsibility. I'm happy to accept that and am proud to be representing my country in the highest category of motor racing. I'll do everything I can to make the most of this wonderful opportunity."

Sauber had been expected by hand their second seat to Nick Heidfeld after they called the German into the team for the final five races of this season in place of Pedro de la Rosa, but team manager Peter Sauber believes he has got the right man to partner Kobayashi.

"Sergio has been on a continuous upward curve over the past few years. He demonstrated his fighting spirit in races over the course of last season and proved that he's ready to take the step up into Formula One," said Sauber. "I look forward to working with him and am in no doubt that, in Pérez and Kobayashi, we will have a strong driver pairing."

The signing of Pérez also sees Telmex, a Mexican telecommunications company, join Sauber as a sponsor.

Sign up for the Guardian Today

Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.